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Originally published Sept. 13, 2024
WHEELING, W.Va. – The city of Wheeling and homeless advocacy groups emphasize shelters and food services for the Friendly City’s homeless population, but are these groups addressing their hygiene needs?
There have been reports of the homeless using the city’s new splash pad at the WesBanco Arena plaza and the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston’s Cathedral of St. Joseph fountain for bathing this summer.
Dimitri Vassilaros of “Dimitri: Live & Dangerously Local” questioned city officials about whether the homeless are using the splash pad as a bathing area.
Michele Rejonis, Marketing & Community Relations Specialist for the city of Wheeling, says there are no reports of the homeless bathing in the splash pad.
I have spoken to the WesBanco Arena manager and the police department regarding your inquiry. We do not have any reports of members of the homeless population utilizing the splash pad for bathing.
Michele Rejonis, Marketing & Community Relations Specialist, city of Wheeling
Rejonis said the splash pad opened August 21 and cost $362,000. She added that it is a seasonal feature but will remain functional well into the fall.
If the homeless are not bathing in the new splash pad, are they cleaning up in the fountain at the at the Cathedral of St. Joseph courtyard?
Tim Bishop, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, tells River News Network that the diocese posted signs on access to the Cathedral of St. Joseph courtyard.
The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston has properly posted access restrictions and regulations regarding the Cathedral courtyard. Regulations are enforced to the best of our ability.
Tim Bishop, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
Bishop added that the diocese offers resources to members of the homeless community through the work of Catholic Charities West Virginia.
River News Network reached out to the Wheeling Life Hub, a group that provides services to the homeless, for comment but they did not respond.